Thitipol Panyalimpanun

Blue is The Warmest Color

Submitted by ppetchy on Tue, 2013-12-24 11:28

Editor's Rating:

Average: 4 (1 vote)

Produced, written and directed by Abdellatif Kechiche (The Secret of the Grain and Black Venus), this year’s Palme d’Or winner is an adaptation of Julie Maroh’s graphic novel of the same name. Much of the film’s success can be put down to the raw performances of its two leading ladies, Léa Seydoux and, especially, Adèle Exarchopoulos (who plays a character with the same name).

Opening Date:

Tue, 2013-12-24

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Thitipol Panyalimpanun

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Empire State

Submitted by ppetchy on Mon, 2013-12-16 15:01

Editor's Rating:

Average: 1 (1 vote)

The biggest cash heist in US history took place in 1982 when US$11 million was stolen from an armored car depot. This 2013 movie adaption by director Dito Montiel (A Guide to Recognizing your Saints, Fighting, The Son of No One) is his fifth film—but his first without Channing Tatum. The leads this time around are Liam Hemsworth, who assumes the role of robber Chris Potamitis, and Dwayne Johnson playing detective James Ransone.

Opening Date:

Mon, 2013-12-16

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Thitipol Panyalimpanun

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Bad, Bad Drivers: Who's to Blame for Bangkok's Traffic Problems?

Hit-and-run rich kids in Ferraris, lane-hopping traffic jam jockeys, daredevil motocy sidewalk-surfers—here’s a look at how terrible Bangkok’s drivers really are.

10 years ago

city living

By Thitipol Panyalimpanun | Dec 05, 2013

Hit-and-run rich kids in Ferraris, lane-hopping traffic jam jockeys, daredevil motocy sidewalk-surfers—here’s a look at how terrible Bangkok’s drivers really are.

By Thitipol Panyalimpanun
| Dec 05, 2013

WHAT'S ON OUR ROADS

Source: Transport Statistics Sub-Division, Planning Division, Department of Land Transport

Source: Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning

ROAD OFFENCES

Source: Thai police, Reported Traffic Law violations from Jan-Jul, 2013

Source: NIDA POLL

Q&A

Pol Col Weerawit Wajjanapukka, chief of the Traffic Police Division's ticket information centre

What is the major cause of Bangkok’s traffic problems?

Many factors contribute to it. For starters, there are too many vehicles which automatically leads to congestion on our roads. Other hindrances include poor road conditions and heavy rain. But another significant problem that worsens traffic is bad driving habits. While we cannot do much to fix our city’s physical limitations, driving behavior is very easy to improve. So it’s a shame that instead of taking some responsibility, many drivers just make the problem worse. It’s important we make improvements now before traffic gets out of hand.

How bad is the problem?

Earlier this year, the BBC ranked Bangkok as the worst city for traffic. In second, I think, was Jakarta. That sums up how big and serious the problem is. It’s crucial that every relevant party helps each other. Another shocking statistic came from World Health Organization, which this year listed Thailand as number one for fatal road accidents in Southeast Asia. It’s been recorded that about 38 out of 100,000 people die from road accidents. This is a serious issue that needs society’s full attention. It will only get worse unless we come together now.

“It’s all down to a lack of responsibility and discipline from drivers.”

What are the most common situations causing traffic congestion?

We see it every day: many cars parking in restricted areas, driving in the wrong lane and not stopping at red lights only to clog up intersections. We get many complaints about public buses parking illegally, too. Sometimes it’s understandable because other cars are clogging up the left lane or, even worse, parking at bus stops. When a public bus can’t get to the bus stop, it has to stop in the next lane and ends up blocking the second lane, too. You see here how one little irresponsible action causes a chain reaction. One traffic problem on one street always affects the nearby roads, and it’s worse at rush hour. It’s all down to a lack of responsibility and discipline from drivers.

Why do you think drivers act like that?

It’s a lack of social values, or put simply, selfishness. Small things like parking in a restricted area, double parking, many people think “oh, it’s only for a few minutes,” but everyone’s “few minutes” add up and really affect traffic. In the worst cases, drivers park their cars on bends in the road, leading to serious accidents. Aside from irresponsible parking, changing lanes in prohibited areas is another common bad practice; for example, cutting the queue near an intersection or before going on a bridge. It seems most drivers only display road etiquette to pass their driving test. It’s very important that everyone puts those values and correct practices into practice. Strict law enforcement alone can only fix the tip of the problem; we need contributions from every driver.

Does age, gender or type of vehicle come into play when pointing out bad drivers?

We treat everyone equally, so cases are not recorded by these variables. So, no, we cannot really say that. Sometimes supercar drivers drive very safely and sometimes city cars drive extremely dangerous. It’s difficult to stereotype drivers by their cars.

How are we dealing with the problem?

We’re pushing law enforcement to include more concrete action. Now, cars parked in restricted areas during high-traffic hours will be towed away without exception. We are installing more cameras that can capture violators, whether it’s for speeding, illegal overtaking or lane straddling. We are taking the road traffic problem very seriously and hope everyone else does the same.

HOW ACCIDENTS HAPPEN

Source: Royal Thai Police

Bangkok’s Top 10 Road Accident Spots

1. Petchaburi Road, Asoke-Petchburi Junction

2. Expressway, Phayathai elevation

3. Sukhumvit Soi 24

4. Ladprao Soi 101

5. Rama 2 Road, in front of Central Plaza Rama 2

6. Kheha Romklao, Attaya Satit School Junction

7. On Nut Soi 77, near Big C Extra

8. Suvinthawong Road, outbound at Km52-55

9. Rama 9 Road, Rama 9 – Praditmanuthum intersection

10. Navamin Road, in front of the National Housing Authority.

Source: Thai Traffic Police and Bangkok Traffic and Transportation Department

REPORTED ACCIDENT CAUSES IN BANGKOK

Note : BK's Take on These Figures

These figures are from the Royal Thai Police and we find them very odd. Most international statistics on accidents blame driver error, with hardly any accidents due to the vehicle itself. In Bangkok, the police is telling us just the opposite. It claims that the vehicle is to blame in 30 percent of accidents. As for speeding, it's supposedly a factor in only 5 percent of Bangkok's accidents. That figure is unusally low. Most countries blame speeding for some 40 percent of accidents. Finally, the Bangkok police doesn't record distracted drivers at all. Even at a national level, Thailand attributes 11 percent of its accidents to cell phone use or drinking a beverage while driving, and 8 percent of accidents are attributed to setting the dial on the radio or chatting with passengers. That would translate to 7,030 of Bangkok's recorded accidents per year! This all begs the question: why is Bangkok's police so unusually focused on blaming vehicles instead of drivers?

Souurce: Royal Thai Police

BK ASKS

Who’s to blame?

Chanin Subsinserm, 59, taxi driver

Every bus that ends with 8: 8, 28, 38. And all those running from Pathumthani, especially the 33. Motorcyclists who do u-turns on the bridge—they don’t care about anything except escaping the police. Pick-up trucks, which for some reason like to drive on the wrong side of the road. Public vans are no better—140km/h is the minimum speed they drive outside Bangkok. One big problem is that they park permanently at Victory Monument. How can the BMA let this happen, especially in front of Rachwithee Hospital? This cuts off all the lanes. These are the causes of our traffic problems. I feel for the traffic police. They are not bad people, they’re just doing their duty. Yes, we give them a hundred baht, but we are really guilty in most cases. Believe me, over 10,000 taxis in Bangkok are driving without the right taxi driver card.

Lee Sae Lim, 43, tuk tuk driver

They are all equally bad! Motorcycles, buses, taxis. These joint public-private buses are the most monstrous. Number 1 and 75 are the worst, if not the air-conditioned 504 bastards running from Pathumthani. Lane straddling is their favorite hobby, from far left to the right lane. Let’s not talk about when they start racing. I could show you Silom corner or in front of Robinson (Bangrak), the buses try to claim an extra lane every day. Wait, will they come beat me up when you publish this? Let’s be balanced. Not all drivers are bad, really. There are good and bad drivers. I cannot blame them; sometimes I drive badly, too. We all have emotions. Can you drive nicely when you are in bad mood? We all drive for money. We are all in a hurry.

Seri Prajuabboon, 56, taxi motorcyclist

I’ve seen them all. Bad private cars, tuk tuks, buses. Yes, and taxis—they will park whenever they want. And once they finish discussing business with the passenger, they’ll just come back into traffic right away. Nobody cares about using their indicators anymore. I don’t want to talk myself into trouble, but taxis and public buses really just park where they want to. We can only watch out for ourselves. They are not even bothered to apologize after they hit you. We just have to get on with it.

Kiattiyot Chroendee, 55, 187 bus driver

The traffic jams are often caused by those driving too slowly. We drive fast with discipline, which is different to driving fast and dangerously. You know, when regular passengers board the bus, they are happy to see that I’m driving. They know they’ll get home fast. The 187 runs to Khlong Sam (from Sri Phraya Pier), which is normally a three-hour trip. I think most passengers prefer fast drivers, but skilled ones. Private cars can drive at any speed they like, but I’m driving for people who want to get to their destinations as fast as they can. Of course, those who are not on board might think differently. Our income relies on making our routes.

New Places

Yellow Fang Talk Debut Album and the Changing Thai Indie Scene Ahead of Gig with Mac DeMarco on Dec 6

After breaking onto the scene in 2008, much-loved indie trio Yellow Fang are finally about to release their debut album, The Greatest. BK caught up with two of the trio, Pimporn “Pang” Metchanun (guitar and vocals) and Piyamas “Pym” Muenprasartdee (bass guitar and vocals), ahead of their support slot for off-kilter Canadian rocker Mac DeMarco at Cosmic Café this Friday (Dec 6).

10 years ago

By Thitipol Panyalimpanun | Dec 05, 2013

After breaking onto the scene in 2008, much-loved indie trio Yellow Fang are finally about to release their debut album, The Greatest. BK caught up with two of the trio, Pimporn “Pang” Metchanun (guitar and vocals) and Piyamas “Pym” Muenprasartdee (bass guitar and vocals), ahead of their support slot for off-kilter Canadian rocker Mac DeMarco at Cosmic Café this Friday (Dec 6).

By Thitipol Panyalimpanun
| Dec 05, 2013

The gig on Dec 6 is being billed as your album launch. What can you tell us about your first full-length release?

Pang: We really want it to be, but we’re not sure that we’ll make it in time. The album’s coming along, though. As of now, we’re calling it The Greatest, as it will compile all the tracks we’ve got, re-recorded, with a few new songs. Many songs have taken quite a lot of time to finish. The songs may fit in well together, but some were written several years apart.

From your first EP Yuk Keaw (2008) to now; how much has changed?

Pang: I think our songs now are not really that different from when we started. But, yes, there’s quite a difference in sound. We’ve been experimenting a lot with reverb and mixing effects. For example, in “Unreal” we wanted a natural reverb sound, so we recorded it in a reverberation room, and a few other tracks were re-recorded like this, too.

Pym: There are a lot more choruses now, too. Serious choruses.

How has the music scene changed?

Pang: When we were starting out there were lots of indie rock parties, even on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, like Coco Night and Club Culture. It was the Myspace era, too. The likes of Sqweez Animal and Slur were part of the scene, too. There were a lot of venues for bands, and record labels didn’t matter so much. Now, Fat Radio is gone from the radio. It’s still broadcasted online, but we used to listen to it more in the car. There are many new bands now, but most are doing a folkish sound, or, I don’t know how to put it, maybe pop, with better taste and more diversity.

Many bands that came on the scene at the same time as you have disappeared. What’s kept you going?

Pang: I think back then most bands shared this idea of just having fun while doing what they like; they never thought of it as a life commitment. Yellow Fang is lucky in many ways as we’ve got to do many things and got to play continually. Maybe if we weren’t booked for a long time, we might also have given up.

Pym: Also, it’s just three of us, and we’re friends. There might be more headaches with bands of five men. For us, it’s easier to organize things. We used to meet almost every weekend when the old Rod Fai market was still there. Now it’s once or twice a week, but not to rehearse, just for gigs or shopping.

Pang: Yes, lately, we only rehearse like once or twice a month.

You often describe yourselves as music lovers more than musicians.

Pang: We’re definitely not professional musicians. We don’t play all day long or make a living from our music. It’d be nice to work full-time on music, though.

Pym: We’re no guitar heroes. I don’t slap the bass. It’s more about having fun and doing what we like.

New Places

The Shoyu Stand

Restaurant

Kiri Tsukemen

Restaurant

Tsu Na Gu

Restaurant

New Thai Film 'Love’s Coming' to Focus on Gay Schoolboys

10 years ago

movies

By Thitipol Panyalimpanun | Dec 03, 2013

Big Names Ploy Chermarn and Sukrit Wisetkaew to Star in GTH's 'Teacher’s Diary,' Out 2014

10 years ago

movies

By Thitipol Panyalimpanun | Dec 03, 2013

Lovelace

Submitted by ppetchy on Mon, 2013-11-18 17:08

Editor's Rating:

Average: 3 (1 vote)

Linda Lovelace rose to fame as a 70s porn icon for her role in the now legendary smash hit Deep Throat. But, as with many successful film stars, there’s more gloom beneath the glamour. As this biopic directed by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman portrays, Linda was a victim of a tumultuous relationship and a greedy industry.

Opening Date:

Thu, 2013-11-14

Language:

English

Running Time:

1 hr. 33 min.

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Thitipol Panyalimpanun

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Rachanikorn Leng Kaewdee on His Acrobat Performance 'Lang Ling' Opening Nov 16

Contemporary dancer Rachanikorn “Leng” Kaewdee, the winner of last year’s Thailand’s Got Talent, is set to bring back his acrobat performance Lang Ling (Nov 16-17), drawing inspiration from the Ramayana and featuring four female stars Katreeya English, Tanya Tanyares, Nook Sutthida and Ja Yossinee. Leng talks to BK about his new production, his interpretation of the Ramayana and what’s in store for audiences.

10 years ago

By Thitipol Panyalimpanun | Nov 14, 2013

Contemporary dancer Rachanikorn “Leng” Kaewdee, the winner of last year’s Thailand’s Got Talent, is set to bring back his acrobat performance Lang Ling (Nov 16-17), drawing inspiration from the Ramayana and featuring four female stars Katreeya English, Tanya Tanyares, Nook Sutthida and Ja Yossinee. Leng talks to BK about his new production, his interpretation of the Ramayana and what’s in store for audiences.

By Thitipol Panyalimpanun
| Nov 14, 2013

The Aerialist was originally staged last year; how has it evolved?

Last time out, it was a duet, with just me and a musician. It’s a much bigger production this time, which allows us to expand the story and performance to another level. We are really lucky to be joined by four prominent actresses to make it even more interesting. It involves a lot of personal stories, too. I don’t want to spoil it, but for example, Katreeya English, whose father has been hospitalized, will play Nang Suwanmacha, the daughter of Tossakan, who enters a battle knowing he’ll lose. It kind of resembles her reality, this character who shares a similar situation. Of course, with acrobatics thrown in, too!

What inspired you to mix a contemporary acrobat performance with the tale of the Ramayana?

I used to assume many roles and characters when I performed abroad with foreign dance companies, so I thought it would be a good idea to take on a story with links to Thai society. Also, considering it’s a story familiar to most Thai people, the show should really engage them and help them arrive at their own interpretation. For me, the Ramayana is a tale not really about war among giants, monkeys and humans, like people usually make it out to be. It’s self-reflection. Inside everyone, there are characters like Ravana, Phra Ram or Hanuman, which can appear under different situations.

It’s your first big show and it also features four big guest stars; how was it working with them?

For an acrobatic performance, the preparations are pretty tough, especially for new performers. I know there’s a reason they are big actresses, yet their professionalism was far beyond my expectations. They are really focused, resilient and brave to step beyond their boundaries, as well as to portray their personal stories. Acting-wise I learned a lot from them, too.

Do you have any tips to better appreciate the performance?

I think it’s fair to compare it to a new dish made from familiar ingredients, cooked and displayed in a new way. It’s a story you can definitely relate to, and not an extremely abstract one that is impossible to understand. Just come without expectations.

New Places

The Shoyu Stand

Restaurant

Kiri Tsukemen

Restaurant

Tsu Na Gu

Restaurant

Ain’t Them Bodies Saints

Submitted by ppetchy on Mon, 2013-11-11 14:37

Editor's Rating:

Average: 3 (1 vote)

Casey Affleck, Rooney Mara and Ben Foster star in this crime drama by David Lowery, which portrays the romantic side of criminal lovers and draws a lot of inspiration from Terrence Malick’s 1973 masterpiece Badlands. But while this Bonnie and Clyde story, set in an archetypal American suburb, has all the makings of a powerful film, it eventually falls short—like a love song with a melody so beautiful you just wish for better lyrics to match.

Opening Date:

Mon, 2013-11-11

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Thitipol Panyalimpanun

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Bangkok's Winter Art, Music and Culture Festivals 2013

Art junkies, culture vultures and fun lovers, plan your winter in the city because the cold wind brings with it lots of art, music and culture festivals.

10 years ago

By Thitipol Panyalimpanun | Nov 07, 2013

Art junkies, culture vultures and fun lovers, plan your winter in the city because the cold wind brings with it lots of art, music and culture festivals.

By Thitipol Panyalimpanun
| Nov 07, 2013

Held continuously at Santichaiprakarn Park for the past 12 years, this festival has become synonymous with winter for theater devotees. It returns this year, though with a change in location, due to mourning rites for the Supreme Patriach being held in the area. Shows will now be held at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre with a few performances at Pridi Banomyong Institute. We’ll miss the park’s atmosphere, but the BACC (BTS National Stadium) is a lot easier to get to.

The festival continues to expand and now boasts over 70 performances by amateurs and prominent professional groups including 8x8 Theatre, Anatta Theatre, B-Floor Theatre, Crescentmoon Theatre, New Theatre Society, SomMood and Sao Soong. The range of shows is massive, from physical theater, mime and performance art to contemporary dance.

The shows are performed on various stages inside the BACC, as well as on the front plaza. Here are some of the highlights:

Avasarn Kwam Chei (Blow Up the Silence) Nov 9-10

No sitting and watching, here: In this play by the Malongdu troupe, you will be urged to stand up and partake in the play which will comprise three short stories based on current social issues.

Kon Song Jao (Silhouette of God) Nov 9-10

A play by students from the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC) which garnered a positive reception and awards at the Nanning Theatre Festival in China. Written and directed by Dumgerng Thaitapiyasak, it’s an adaptation of SEA Write Award-winner Wimol Sainimnuan’s eponymous novel on the corrupting influence of power and money.

San Dan Ka (The Nature of a Crow) Nov 9-10

Butoh is a modern Japanese dance form defined by hyper-controlled motion and often out-there imagery which can range from grotesque to absurd. This performance by the B-Floor collective draws inspiration from Anupong Chanthorn’s controversial paintings of beaked, misbehaving monks to tackle the taboo issue of their sacredness. The performance premiered in 2009 to great critical acclaim and was invited to perform at Mexico’s Puebia International Theatre Festival earlier this year.

Babymime Show Nov 9-10

The popular pantomime trio Babymime (Thong-glur Tongta, Nutapol Kummata and Ratchai Rujiwipatana) have just complete a tour abroad and are back on their home turf for the festival they emerged from. Their lighthearted mime performances are guaranteed to take you back to your childhood, put a smile on your face or even trigger tears of laughter.

BACC, Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630. BTS National Stadium.

Tickets (B200-500) required for some shows at 080-447-6553.

Full schedule at www.bangkoktheatrefestival.com

Supposedly to get us all excited and prepped for the coming of the ASEAN Community, this festival features seminars, talks, art and cultural workshops, exhibitions and showcases. Details are still sketchy but it’s actually been on since August, although it’s meant to gather steam this November as it screens a film every Thursday (6-8pm) for free. Mid-December things pick up further with the “ASEAN Nights: ASEAN Beyond Frontier program,” which will show films, performances and serve up street food on the BACC’s plaza (from 4pm).

BACC, Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630. BTS National Stadium.

Free admission.

Here’s one for your niece or nephew—the winter’s got a festival for them, too. Held for the ninth time, the edutainment Science Film Festival at TK Park aims to make science fun and easy to understand. A total of 26 films from 14 countries have been selected for screening. Highlights include You, Planet (Austria) and Living with Robots (France).

TK Park, 8/F CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd. BTS Chit Lom. Full details at www.sciencefilmfestival.org. Reservations at 02-257-4300 ext. 223

Free admission.

Q&A

Nut Nualpang

Artistic Director of Bangkok Theater Festival

This will be the first time that the festival is not held at Santichaiprakarn Park?

It really took us by surprise. We only knew a few hours prior to the press conference that we could not use the park and had to change our plans within an hour. Our thanks go to the BACC, who have been so helpful. The atmosphere may be different this time but it should provide a freshness to the festival.

Does it make life holding the festival harder for you?

We just need to adapt. We’ve been told to keep it soft, too, as we’re in the mourning period. But the core of the festival—the performances—are still there, so it should be fun. As it’s at the BACC, it will be much more urban, which is a welcome change. I think the new location will attract a bigger audience which can only be a good thing. I don’t think the festival will lose its charm one bit.

What does the festival mean to Thai theater?

It’s like a traditional family gathering for theater troupes now. Still, it never ceases to surprise us. Many past audience members are now performers. Every year, there’s a new wave of performers emerging and we are just happy to witness new talent make a name for themselves. It really strengthens the theater culture in our country. It brings together theater groups and lets people experience something new.

What’s behind the festival’s longevity?

I think it is down to the diversity of performances, from funny to abstract. It really has something for audiences of any age. It’s a very lively festival, though it has a laidback atmosphere and all the fun you would expect when people gather for shows. There’s no other time you can watch so many shows in once place, too!

Selected from over 800 globally submitted titles, you can expect the 60 films shown at the festival this year to be the cream of the crop. Screenings are spread over 10 days at SF World Cinema from Nov 15-24. The selected films are categorized into five categories: Asian Contemporary, Cine Latino, Cinema Beat, Doc Feast, Short Wave and a retrospective of Thai veteran actress Jarunee Suksawas.

The festival is also a good chance to catch any films you missed out on like Karaoke Girl, Tang Wong and the controversial documentary Boundary. As for the inter flicks, we’re looking forward to The Cleaner (Peru), The Last Shepherd (Italy) and Instant Mommy (The Philippines). You can also see The Itshmus (Thailand) which premiered at the Busan International Film Festival and is now finally making its Bangkok premieres

The Cleaner (Peru) Nov 16, 23

This sci-fi drama film by Adrian Saba, chosen to represent Peru in the foreign language Oscar category, narrates a bizarre epidemic that hits Lima, leaving a forensic cleaner (Victor Prada) to take care of an eight-year-old boy (Adrian Du Bois).

The Isthmus (Thailand) Nov 21, 23

Starring Sangthong Gate U-Thong, this film tells the story of a mother, Da, who after her Burmese maid dies, sees her eight-year-old daughter mysteriously lose her mother tongue and speak only Burmese. Sa takes her little girl to a Burmese doctor in Ranong where they encounter a whole different world within the Burmese community.

The Last Shepherd (Italy) Nov 16, 23

A film by Marco Bonfanti which follows Renato Zucchelli, a traveling shepherd in the Italian Alps, who dreams of taking his sheep into the heart of Milan.

SF World Cinema, 7/F CentralWorld, Ratchadamri Rd., 089-685-5253. BTS Chit Lom.

Tickets B120. For full showtimes, visit www.worldfilmbkk.com.

After taking a year off, The International Butoh Festival makes a comeback under the theme of Butoh Women and will feature exclusively female international Butoh artists including Yuko Kawamoto (Japan), Natalie K. Kim (Korea), Yeow Lai Chee (Malaysia), Sylvie Bruzeau (France) and Vinci Mok (Hong Kong), who will be joined by Thai artists Bo Kittiphon and Sasapin Siriwanij. Alongside the performances are an exhibition of Butoh-inspired photography, video, and installation, as well as Butoh workshops by the artists (B1,000 per workshop).

Tickets B600 at 085-160-1677 or bkkbutoh@yahoo.com or visit www.bfloortheatre.com. BACC, Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630. BTS National Stadium.

The Bangkok Symphony Orchestra continues its much-loved winter tradition of playing popular favorites with different guest vocalists every Sunday at the adorable Sala Bhirom Bhakdi. Expect anything from Thai and Western classical music to popular Broadway scores amid Lumphini’s vegetation. Get there early to choose a good picnic spot and make sure you bring your booze in fruit juice bottles to avoid detection.

5:30pm. Sala Bhirom Bhakdi, Lumphini Park. MRT Lumphini and BTS Sala Daeng.

Free admission.

After debuting last year under the theme of New York and London Inspired, this festival returns with a much simpler theme, “winter.” This weekend gathering held by Sansiri on its bridge across Khlong Phra Khanong is pretty similar to a farmers market with over 70 booths offering everything from food, vintage clothing and live performances. Judging from last time, it’s suited mostly to families and couples.

1-8pm. Saan Sam Ran Bridge, behind The Base Sukhumvit 77.

Free admission.

Hot on the heels of the Bangkok Theatre Festival, this will be the season’s other big-ticket festival. Oddly, they’re saying that there’s an ASEAN theme to the whole thing, but actually, you can expect international acts from all four corners of the globe.

Headlined by The Vertical Dance Company Il Posto, the festival will see the Italian troupe showcase their gravity-defying aerial choreography set to live music. (Nov 22, 23, 7pm)

Celebrated choreographer and dancer Rina Shenfeld, from Israel, also returns (Nov 24, 7pm), as well as the Istanbul State Opera and Ballet who will showcase their explosive and vibrant performance. (Nov 27-29, 7pm)

Other highlights include performances from groups like Korea’s Zen Dance, Singapore’s Maya Dance Theatre and Jitti Chompee’s 18 Monkeys Dance Theatre.

Alongside these performances are workshops, master classes, visual arts exhibition, and film screenings, which are open to the public.

BACC, Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630. BTS National Stadium.Tickets are required for some shows. Full schedule at http://dance-festival.info. B600-1,800 (B300 for students) from Thaiticketmajor

Q&A

Vararom Pachimsawat

Director of Friends of the Arts Foundation and the International Dance Festival.

The festival is being held for the 13th time; what’s there to look forward to?

Many would say it’s bigger and better this time. For me, the festival just continues to grow naturally. We started out very small and now we are hosting a number of dance groups from many countries. The festival is gaining more attention every year. With such renowned and exciting groups in attendance, it’s really a no-brainer for dance fans. But for those new to performance art, too, I’m sure you will have an enjoyable time.

What do you suggest for newcomers with little knowledge of dance?

It must be the spectacular performance by the Il Posto Vertical Dance Company from Italy. With a soundtrack of saxophone and a strong rhythm section, it’s really engaging. We are fully aware that it’s not easy for people who are not really into dance to sit through an hour-long performance. That’s why we have these kind of preview shows where each group performs briefly for about 15 minutes. The audience can experience every show that way, be entertained and slowly be introduced to performance art.

Tell us about the Thai dance scene at the moment.

It’s completely different from 10 years ago. We have so many great talents in dance and performance art—but we mustn’t take it easy. We need a sustained effort in order to keep Thai performance art growing. I’m not worried at all about Thai performers’ skills or creativity.

What do you hope to achieve from the festival?

The reason we’ve been continually doing festivals and smaller events like this is to lay the foundation for the young generation of Thai artists. That’s why it’s not just about bringing in these international groups to perform, but also to hold workshops and master classes for our young talent. We also give them the opportunity to perform at the festival. It’s very important we nurture our talent as well as our audience.

Museum Siam is all set to jazz things up in Phra Nakorn with a series of evening events. As this year’s theme is Charoen Arhan (Bon Appetit), you can look forward to a mix of live performances, later opening hours and temporary exhibitions related to food.

6-10pm. Museum Siam, 4 Sanam Chai Rd. Free admission.

If you can’t make it to all those out-of-town festivals, head for this street music festival by Museum Siam and Panda Records. Noise Market features a music-focused flea market where you can browse for CDs, rare vinyl, as well as other music-related merchandise like t-shirts and bags while enjoying live music by independent record labels including Comet Records, Color Code, Final Kid Group, Hitman Jazz Records, Panda Records, Rats Records and So::On Dry Flower, plus free art and DIY workshops.

2-10pm. Museum Siam, amphitheater, 4 Sanam Chai Rd.

Free admission.

The yearly free film screenings return to BACC under the theme of Director’s choice, with movies selected by five prominent Thai directors including: Pen-Ek Ratanaruang, Nonzee Nimitbutr, Jira Maligoo and Tanwarin Sukkhapisit. It kicks off this week (Nov 9) with Director Kondej Jaturanrasmee’s choice, Synecdoche, New York (2008), Charlie Kaufman’s award-winning surrealist film. Screenings are in English with Thai subtitles and each director will give a talk after each screening.

The next screening on Jan 25 is chosen by the director of Insects in the Backyard, Tanwarin Sukkhapisit, who will screen a Japanese drama, Himizu (2011), about two teenagers whose lives take a dark turn after a tsunami hits Japan.

4:30-9pm. BACC, Rama 1 Rd., 02-214-6630. Free admission.

Not only is this festival outdoors but it’s by the river, at Asiatique. The first day will be headlined by Singaporean vocalist, Olivia Ong, who has won quite a number of Thai fans with her renditions of bossa nova classics. Olivia will be joined by English band Shakatak who have been mixing jazz with funk and pop since the 80s.

On Sunday, Natalie Cole takes over the stage. The daughter of the legendary Nat King Cole brings her famous takes on Bruce Springsteen's "Pink Cadillac” and her father’s “Unforgettable,” with local act Ben Chalatit and Koh Mr.Saxman playing until the earlier hours.

6pm-midnight. Asiatique, 2194 Charoenkrung Rd., 02-108-4488.

Tickets B2,000 (B3,500 for two-day pass) from Thaiticketmajor.

Big Mountain

Dec 7-8

The mother of all the big out-of-town music festivals, Big Mountain, will take place at Bonanza in Khao Yai. Headliners span a range of genres from the 90s pop of 2 Days Ago Kids, sweet-pop of Armchair to the hard-hitting alternative rock of Abuse The Youth. Of course, all the big name rockers, like Bodyslam and Big Ass will be there too, along with indie mainstays The Standards. International acts include Austra from Canada, Bombi and the Shuta Hasunuma Group from Japan and Cells from Laos. It sounds a lot like last year, but you’re going for the atmosphere, not a ground-breaking lineup.

Bonanza Khao-Yai, Khao Yai National Park Na Hin Lat, Park Phli, Nakorn Nayok.

Tickets B1,900 for a two-day pass with buy-five-get-one-free from Thaiticketmajor.

Stone Free Music Festival

Dec 14

If you prefer a more folky, experimental and less conventional kind of festival, this one’s for you. Founded back in 2011 by the Panda Records crew led by Pok Wannarit Pongprayoon (Stylish Nonsense, Basement Tape) and Tokin Teekanun (also in Triggs & The Longest Day), the third edition's lineup hasn’t been announced yet but going on previous years you can expect experimental sounds that traverse electro-pop, noise-rock and folk from bands like Stylish Nonsense, Abstraction XL, Basement Tape and Desktop Error, as well as underground acts from labels like So::On Dry Flower, along with the promised mixed media installation, A Part Of You, A Part Of Me, by Tokin.

Ticket and location information to be announced.

Over Coat

Dec 7

This intimate, romantic and chilled-out festival promises the likes of Tu Phobtorn, Toe Saksit, Nat Sakdatorn, Sani and Patcha from Academy Fantasia, 123 Soul, Watcharawalee, Friday, POP, Singular, Tattoo Colour, Better Weather, Mild, Lipta, ETC and 25 Hours. Perhaps not a lineup to get the pulses racing but a great excuse to take a tumble on the lush green grass of Starlight by Jolly Land.

4:30pm. Starlight by Jolly Land, Khao Kor, Petchaboon.

Tickets B1,500 from Thaiticketmajor.

BK ASKS

What's the craziest thing you've done outdoors?

Jitt Kasemsri

22, market researcher

“I went home barefoot drunk in a flood after clubbing, having lost my shoes. I was kicked out from a cab and had to walk through the water to get home, alone.”

Elyse Quivooy

20, student

“I once went swimming in the lake at Lumpini Park in my underpants. It was already getting dark so a few friends and I decided to be spontaneous and try to swim across the lake. Before we even had the chance to have our victory dance, a security guard came speeding over on his bicycle screaming at us and flashing his flashlights at us.”

Gamkaew Lourakmanee

23, party organizer

“I went to Big Mountain with a pack of friends. Drinking beer in the winter is so nice. Eventually, a whole bunch of us, me included, just passed out. But it’s all good, I had seen the headliners so many times before. I’m so going back again this year, too!”

Sirapop Wangkiat

23, marketing communicator

“Last winter we decided Chiang Mai was the place to go. It was all good until I jumped on my friend’s motorbike, rode it out and got hit by a pick-up truck. I didn’t die but I broke my ankle. I still made it to Monkey Bar in a splint, though, and many people came up to say hi. This year I’m going to Phuket.”

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Art junkies, culture vultures and fun lovers, plan your winter in the city because the cold wind brings with it lots of art, music and culture festivals.

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